TMs Field Research Articles

Sex/Gender as a Factor That Influences Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Treatment Outcome: Three Potential Biological Explanations.

Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is a non-invasive brain stimulation technique which is now being used in psychiatry clinics across the world as a therapeutic tool for a variety of neural-circuit based disorders (e.g., major depression, obsessive compulsive disorder, substance use disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, headache, pain). The higher volume of use and publication of multiple large-scale clinical trials has provided researchers with a unique opportunity to retrospectively evaluate factors influencing TMS treatment responses in large samples of patients. While many studies have focused on TMS protocol parameters as moderators of treatment efficacy, sex/gender is another critical, often overlooked factor influencing TMS treatment outcome. Women, especially during periods of high estradiol, appear to be particularly sensitive to the therapeutic effects of rTMS. This manuscript makes a case for three potential biological explanations for these findings. Drawing on literature from cranio-facial anatomy, neuroimaging, and neuroendocrine fields, we posit that observed increases in response rates of women in clinical rTMS trials may be related to: (1) Closer proximity of the brain to the scalp at the prefrontal cortex, leading to larger TMS induced electric fields especially at the medial prefrontal cortex, (2) Greater gray matter density and gyrification in the prefrontal cortex, and (3) High levels of estradiol which facilitate cortical excitability. These biological explanations are empirical ideas which have been evaluated in laboratory studies and lend themselves to prospective evaluation in multisite clinical rTMS trials. The existing literature on this topic and these three potential biological explanations all indicate that the TMS field should routinely evaluate sex/gender (and associated biological metrics like scalp-to-cortex distance, gray matter density, estradiol/progesterone levels) as a factor that may influence treatment outcome.

Site-specific nutrient management in rice (Oryza sativa): Status and prospect–A review

Site-specific nutrient management (SSNM) plays a vital role in increasing crop profitability, maintaining soil health and reducing environmental pollution. Field experiments and demonstrations conducted across southeast (SE) Asia were conducted during 2020–21 at ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi and observed that SSNM includes various nutrient management practices and each practice have a positive impact on fulfilling its vital role. After a thorough study, this review reflects that fertilizer recommendations based on targeted yield concept were more balanced, profitable and helpful in controlling soil nutrient mining and essential for sustainable crop production. Establishment of an attainable yield target, based on location, season, climate, rice cultivar and crop management ensures effective use of existing indigenous nutrients such as from soil, organic amendments, crop residue, manure and irrigation water and application of fertilizer to dynamically fill the deficit between crop needs and indigenous supply and to maintain soil fertility. Moreover, use of nitrification inhibitor, deep placement of nitrogen (N) and NPK fertilizers reduces the loss of N fertilizers up to 20% and increases rice yield up to 10%. The leaf colour charts (LCC), chlorophyll meter or SPAD are inexpensive need based tools for fertilizer N management that can reduce the excessive application of N (10–50%). Optical sensor-based nitrogen management is an alternative to LCC and SPAD that can quickly and reliably monitor N requirements of rice. On the other hand, the dissemination of SSNM through LCC, SPAD, QUEFT models, optical sensor etc., requires training of researchers, local extension workers, fertilizer retailers, and farmer leaders on techniques and guidelines for enabling rice farmers. Therefore, a simple nutrient decision support tool, Nutrient Expert® (NE) is useful to develop strategies to manage fertilizer N, P and K tailored to farmer’s field or growing environment. However, comparative evaluation of different SSNM approach is essential for location wise fertilizer prescription for increasing crop profitability, soil health and environmental safety.

Crushed bark as a novel soil conditioner for organic plant production

Due to the reduction of cattle farming, the Finnish agricultural sector currently needs solutions to replace animal manure with new sustainable alternatives. This problem is especially acute for organic farms, which need livestock manure to improve soil fertility and soil organic carbon (SOC) to sustain yield. On the other side, plywood manufacturers aim to find ways to reuse waste fractions such as sandy, wet spruce bark waste. To address both issues, a new soil conditioner was developed from crushed bark (CB) and approved for organic farming by the Finnish Food Authority. To test the advantages of CB in organic wheat production, we conducted a two-year field experiment on a farmer’s field in Mikkeli (Finland) on loamy sand with moderate soil fertility (C 3.5%, C/N ratio 17, pH 6.2). CB (organic matter 80%, C/N ratio 78, pH 5.7-6.0) at 40 t ha–1 was applied either in the first year of the experiment or in both years. In addition to CB, half the plots received base ash (4 t ha–1) obtained from a power plant using wood to maintain the optimal soil pH. All plots were fertilised annually with commercial organic fertilisers. The control plots received no CB or base ash. A one-year application of CB with base ash statistically significantly increased the grain yield by 800 kg ha–1 and grain N uptake by about 10 kg ha–1 in the following growing season compared with the control. In terms of grain yield quality, a one-year application of CB with or without base ash already showed an improvement of 1000 seed weight by 2 g in the first year, and the effect was even more pronounced in the second year of the experiment. Hectolitre weight was increased in the following year after application of CB with base ash. In contrast, a two-year application of CB either alone or with base ash caused no changes in grain yield, N uptake, or yield quality compared with the control. The results indicate that the use of spruce CB with a high C/N ratio as soil conditioner in a large amount may be beneficial in terms of yield and quality when it is applied only once, but not twice in successive years. Future studies need to focus on the long-term residual effects of CB on productivity, as well as soil parameters such as SOC, cation exchange capacity, and soil microbial activity.
 Highlights - Crushed bark (C/N ratio 78) - a side stream of plywood manufacture - was tested in a two-year organic field experiment. - A one-year (40 t ha–1) application of crushed bark with base ash increased yield and the quality of organic wheat. - Residual effects of a one-year application were pronounced. - Crushed bark application in two successive years provided no benefits for organic wheat production.

Productivity and profitability of basmati rice (Oryza sativa) at farmer’s field under optimal nutrient management practices

On farm trials at farmers’ field were conducted for two years (2015-17) to evaluate different fertilizer management options vis-a-vis farmers practice on Basmati rice (Oryza sativa L) (cv. PB-1121) productivity and economics in Rajpura village of Aligarh, UP at two sites having two trials each with distinct soil properties. Results revealed that maximum pooled yield of basmati rice under targeted yield based fertilizer recommendation (TY50) was 4.78 and 4.81 t/ha higher by 33% at site –I and 40% at site-II over farmer practice (FP). From the results, it can be inferred that, around 30-40% basmati rice yield could be increased with targeted yield based fertilizer recommendation. Moreover, the net profits at site-I & II were ₹23486/ha and ₹30905/ha, respectively higher with targeted yield based fertilizer recommendation (TY50), over farmer’s practices (FP). The significant improvement in available nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium was noticed at both sites under targeted yield based fertilizer recommendation in post-harvest soil after two years of trials. The soil microbial biomass carbon and dehydrogenase activity of soil were also enhanced under targeted yield based fertilizer management (TY50) as compared to other fertilizer options studied.

Economics of Chickpea Cultivation and Livelihood of Chickpea farmers in Drought-prone Region of Bangladesh

The cultivation of improved chickpea varieties has been increasing over time that kicks off the local varieties from the farmer’s field. In this study, we analyze the difference between the profitability of modern and traditional chickpea varieties as well as assess the livelihood of improved and local chickpea farmers in the high barind region of Bangladesh. The values of benefit-cost ratio depict that the improved variety in more profitable in comparison to local chickpea variety. Meanwhile, the multidimensional livelihood index of the Department for International Development reflects that the modern variety cultivars belong in a better livelihood condition than the local variety growers. Among all the five capitals of the multidimensional livelihood index, the difference between these two groups is the largest in the case of social capital, which is followed by financial capital. In the same way, the former group has higher values for human, physical, and natural capital than their counterparts.

Confrontation and Reconstruction of Beliefs and Attitudes towards Mathematics

The problems of pre-service elementary teachers’ (PSTs) lack of mathematics content knowledge and pedagogy are filled with complexity. Understanding this complexity and providing PSTs opportunities to experience meaningful mathematics learning may be a step towards PSTs mathematical empowerment. This mixed-method study investigates PSTs’ prior mathematics learning experiences, beliefs and attitudes towards mathematics, and how these beliefs and attitudes are confronted and transformed during a semester-long methods course in mathematics. Data sources include survey questionnaires, PSTs’ verbal and written responses to various classroom assignments and activities, classroom observations, and instructor’s field notes. The findings of the study suggest that the PSTs’ prior learning experiences vary across grade levels and are related to their self-reported beliefs and attitudes towards mathematics teaching and learning to a minimal extent. With a constructivist environment promoting critical reflections and classroom discussions, the methods course provides the PSTs opportunities to question their prior experiences and examine their beliefs and attitudes. However, this transformative experience of the PSTs is a complex process which requires an ongoing professional development and support. Engaging PSTs in action research in their own classrooms is a step towards mass access and equity in mathematics teaching and learning and transforming culture of mathematics teaching and learning in public schools. https://doi.org/10.26803/ijlter.18.11.19

Yield and quality of hybrid sunflower (Helianthus annuus) as affected by irrigation and fertilization

Present study was carried out to evaluate the effects of varying levels of irrigation and fertilizers, as well as their interaction on the yield, oil quality and nutrient uptake by hybrid sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) (cv. Aditya) at farmer’s field, Nadia, West Bengal. Results revealed that average seed yield, stalk yield, oil percentage and oil yield of Aditya was the highest with three irrigations. These parameters were also significantly and synergistically increased by the application of N80P40K40B1.5S25.The values of linoleic acid and oleic acid concentrations were greatest in seeds obtained with N80P40K40B1.5S25 under single irrigation and double irrigations, respectively. In contrary, the proportions of palmitic acid and stearic acid were lowest with same fertilizer management practices under three irrigations and single irrigation, respectively. The lowest saponification value and maximum iodine value of sunflower oil was obtained with N80P40K40B1.5S25 under single irrigation and three irrigations, respectively.The increase in irrigation frequency from one to three brought about significant increase in nutrient uptake by tested cultivar. Total N and S uptake was significantly higher when the tested cultivar grown with N80P40K40B1.5S25; however, total P and K uptake was higher with N80P40K40S25. Application of N80P40K40B1.5 exerted higher boron (B) uptake. Thus fertilization with RDF (80 kg N, 40 kg P2O5 and 40 kg K2O/ha) in combination with 1.5 kg B and 25 kg S/ha under controlled irrigation at 30,60 and 80 DAS can be used to sustain hybrid sunflower production during winter in West Bengal.

Economic and non-economic effects of the mismatch between one's job and field of study: evidence from the implementation of an institutional follow-up survey of graduates

Misalignment between a worker's field of study and job has received much attention in the literature (Robst, 2007). Research shows that workers employed in areas unrelated to their fields of study earn lower salaries than those with the same level of education yet employed in positions related to their education. This paper estimates the educational mismatch's effect on wages and analyses its implications on job satisfaction, through analyzing data gleamed from a survey of a public metropolitan university's graduates, applied over the period of 2014-2017. The study seeks to answer the following: How does working outside of one's degree field affect earnings and job satisfaction? Which characteristics of educational and work pathways explain the misalignment between the field of study and type of employment? This study shows that those who are employed in positions unrelated to their areas of study earn less and enjoy less job satisfaction than those whose work is aligned with their field of study. Likewise, effects on job satisfaction are more pronounced three years after graduation, particularly for men with business and administration degrees compared to technology graduates, given lower expectations for professional development in their current positions.

Publication trends in transcranial magnetic stimulation: a 30-year panorama

BackgroundTranscranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a non-invasive neuromodulatory technique that has broad diagnostic and therapeutic potential across a range of neurological and psychiatric diseases. ObjectiveThis study utilises a bibliometric approach to systematically and comprehensively evaluate the literature on TMS from the last three decades. MethodsThe Scopus citation database was used to identify all peer-reviewed journal articles concerning TMS over the period 1988–2017. Frequency-distribution, cross-tabulation and keyword analyses were performed to determine the most prolific researchers, institutions, nations, journals and the foremost studied disease entities within the TMS field. Given recent heightened awareness of gender bias across many fields of biomedicine, female representation among the most prolific authors was determined. Open-access publication rates and types of study design utilised were also quantified. Results17,492 TMS-related articles were published during the study period 1988–2017. The annual TMS research output has increased dramatically over this time, despite a recent levelling-off of publications per year. The most prolific institutions were based in the United Kingdom, the United States and Canada. The top disease entities studied were stroke, depression and Parkinson's disease. Only 4/52 of the most productive researchers during the study period were female. A minority (4.81%) of publications were published as gold open-access. ConclusionThis study implemented a systematic, bibliometric approach to quantitively assess the breadth of the TMS literature base and identify temporal publication and authorship trends. Drawing on these insights may aid understanding of historical progress in TMS over the last 30 years and help identify into unmet needs and opportunities to improve scientific and publishing practices to contribute to the future health of the field. These findings are likely to be relevant to researchers, clinicians, funders, industry collaborators and other stakeholders.

Partial Budgeting Analysis of an Intervention of ‘Land Shaping Technology’ at South 24 Parganas, West Bengal, India

Reported Impact Assessment of an intervention ‘Land Shaping Technology’ implemented at farmer’s field under NAIP project at different villages of south 24-Pargans district of West Bengal aiming for rainwater harvesting for irrigating crops. Farm data was collected from the randomly selected farmers of both Interevent and control groups.

SISTEM E-LEARNING BERBASIS MODEL MOTIVASI KOMUNITAS

e-Learning system is a required solution in education at this globalization era. The existence of e-Learning with information tecnology support bring the transformation from conventional education process into digital form, both content and system perspective. However, recently e-Learning industry is experiencing of crisis, causing to failure and lack of e-Learning implementation in various sector in the world. Failure is especially caused by limited number of user and the lack of motivation to finish eLearning. This paper give solution by developing e-Learning system based on community motivation model which able to overcome the problems regarding to user motivation in the implementation of e-Learning system. Model is developed based on the theory of learning motivation and requirement capturing from the requirement engineering’s field. The indicators used to measure the model effectiveness are hit and visit statistics, traffic ranking, comparison with other similar e-Learning system, and the relation between concepts in model. Community motivation model have been implemented in web based public e-Learning systems (IlmuKomputer.Com), with the significant results appeared

Suitable wheat cultivars and seeding machines for conservation agriculture in rice-wheat and sugarcane-wheat cropping systems

Field investigations were conducted to improve the wheat yield through identification of suitable wheat cultivars and seeding machines after rice and sugarcane harvest. For wheat seeding under conservation agriculture (CA) after rice with full residue retention, Turbo Happy Seeder (THS) was more appropriate and in sugarcane ratoon with full trash, Rotary Disc Drill (RDD) was found suitable. Based on the research farm experiments and farmer’s field demonstrations, the wheat grain yield was similar under Conventional tillage (CT) and CA. Among 32 wheat varieties evaluated under timely sown conditions, no significant yield differences were observed under CT and CA. Among test cultivars, the best yielding were HD 2967, PBW 723, HDCSW 18, HI 8498, MPO 1215, UAS 428, MACS 6222. For very late sown (20-25th January)and CA conditions after sugarcane harvest, five wheat varieties namely PBW 550, DBW 71, Raj 3765, WR 544 and WB 02 yielded 30.24, 33.80, 32.62, 32.46 and 27.54q/ha, respectively. On an average, 33 q/ha additional wheat yield can be obtained when seeded in sugarcane ratoon using RDD. If we translate 50% sugarcane area across the wheat growing zone of India (1 mha) then we can have an additional wheat production of 3.3 m t/year. Both the crop establishment methods viz. no till (NT) with residue retention and conventional till (CT) wheat had similar yield levels but CA can have an additional profit of Rs 3125/ha due to reduction on tillage cost. The results clearly indicate that wheat productivity and production as well as profitability can be improved through right choice of cultivar, and machinery for conservation agriculture in rice-wheat and sugarcane ratoon- wheat system. DOI:10.25174/2249-4065/2018/80127

Diversity of nematodes population in cumin (Cuminum cyminum) crop in semi arid regions of Rajasthan, India

The survey was conducted in cumin crop at farmer’s field of Ajmer district of Rajasthan, India during 2013-14 and 2014-15 to assess the crop suffered from multiple nematodes infestation. Total 90 cumin (Cuminum cyminum L.) plant samples were collected in two years from 18 villages across 5 development blocks. Among all collected samples, 63 were found infested with different species of nematodes. Highest numbers of samples contain nematodespopulations recorded from Pisangan block of Ajmer district, whereas minimum number of samples infested with nematodes population was found in Kekri block. There were three different species of nematodes associated with cumin root namely Pratylenchus thornei, Hoplolaimus indicus and Meloidogyne incognita. The nematode species P. thornei and H. indicus were found for first time in cumin field causing damage to the root of the plant.

Participatory evaluation of advanced potato (Solanum tuberosum) clones for water stress tolerance

An attempt was made to introduce potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) in hot arid water scarce zone of Western Rajasthan, India. Eight CIP-bred potato clones were evaluated along with two controls, viz. Kufri Pukhraj and Kufri Surya on farmer’s field at Jodhpur, Rajasthan under normal and moderate water stress regime during three winter crop seasons (2012-15). Pooled analysis revealed that CIP clone 397006.18 (34.0 tonnes/ha) out yielded Kufri Pukhraj (26.8 tonnes/ha) and Kufri Surya (20.2 tonnes/ha) for marketable tuber yield. This clone maintained yield under normal and deficit irrigation and attained 26.9% higher marketable yield under normal irrigations, which further improved by 31.3% under deficit water stress regime over the best control Kufri Pukhraj. This clone recorded highest tuber dry matter content (22.7%), statistically superior to both control Kufri Pukhraj (17.9%) and Kufri Surya (21.4%). Clone 397006.18 had highest mean drought tolerance index value (1.16) and least total weight loss under normal irrigation (4.9%) and water stress conditions (8.6%) up to 60 days of storage. Preference yield analysis by potato growers showed that they liked this clone most and its overall acceptability was fairly better for all organoleptic traits. Results of field study and participatory varietal selection indicated that clone 397006.18 performed better for tuber productivity under deficit water management, exhibited drought tolerance traits and achieved overall acceptance by the farmers in Western Rajasthan.

Teacher candidates' use of instructional technology And Material Development Self Efficacy Processing Scale: A Study Of Developing Scale

The purpose of this study is to develop a scale for processing teacher candidates’use of instructional technology and material development self efficacy . A draft of the scale which contained 52 items; was composed based on researcher’s field scanning and both the opinions of experts and students. A draft of the scale was applied to 499 students who are taking instructional technology and material development lesson and attending to different departments at University of Ahi Evran in 2014-2015 academic year. At the end of the Factor Analysis, a scale was obtained totally 34 items with 5 factors. The structure which was obtained at the end of the Explanatory Factor Analysis was tested whether it was verified by construct validity or not.Regarding Self Suffiency processing scale, five factor solution model’s goodness of fit test shows that the model (thehypothesis model) corresponds to the observed data. The scale’s KMO (Kaiser – Meyer - Olkin) value was .944, the Bartlett test value was .00 and Cronbach- Alpha Internal Consistency was .95.Keywords: Teacher candidates, instructional technologies, self-efficacy, scale.

Teacher candidates' use of instructional technology And Material Development Self Efficacy Processing Scale: A Study Of Developing Scale

The purpose of this study is to develop a scale for processing teacher candidates’use of instructional technology and material development self efficacy . A draft of the scale which contained 52 items; was composed based on researcher’s field scanning and both the opinions of experts and students. A draft of the scale was applied to 499 students who are taking instructional technology and material development lesson and attending to different departments at University of Ahi Evran in 2014-2015 academic year. At the end of the Factor Analysis, a scale was obtained totally 34 items with 5 factors. The structure which was obtained at the end of the Explanatory Factor Analysis was tested whether it was verified by construct validity or not.Regarding Self Suffiency processing scale, five factor solution model’s goodness of fit test shows that the model (thehypothesis model) corresponds to the observed data. The scale’s KMO (Kaiser – Meyer - Olkin) value was .944, the Bartlett test value was .00 and Cronbach- Alpha Internal Consistency was .95.Keywords: Teacher candidates, instructional technologies, self-efficacy, scale.

TMS field localization: How anatomy shapes stimulation

TMS field localization: How anatomy shapes stimulation

Irrigation application efficiency and uniformity of water distribution using multi-outlet pipe and resource conservation technologies

Irrigation experiments were conducted during November to April under wheat crop in the winter season of 2012-13 and 2013-14 in the farmer’s field at Galibkhedi village located in Karnal District, Haryana State, India. In the study, collapsible multi-outlet pipe (MOP) along with single outlets pipe (SOP) was tested in farmer’s field under wheat cultivation. Irrigation was carried out in five treatments including tillage (T) with SOP and MOP; zero-tillage (ZT) with SOP and MOP, and furrow irrigation with raised bed (FIRB). Iso-time profile of waterfront spreading and advance indicated that irrigation water distribution was uniform under the plot irrigated using MOP as compared to plot irrigated using SOP. In addition, water distribution was uniform under zero tilled plots as compared to tilled plot. Results implied that MOP has several advantages over SOP in terms of application efficiency (AE) and uniformity of water distribution. Average application efficiency for the first study year was found to be in the order of ZT-MOP (82.41%) > FIRB (76.79%) > ZT-SOP (75.25%) > T-MOP (74.85%) > T-SOP (69.79%). Average application efficiency for the second study year was found to be in the same order as first year with some deviation in values. In the second year values of mean application efficiencies were ZT-MOP (82.58%) > FIRB (77.13%) > ZT-SOP (73.04%) > T-MOP (69.65%) > T-SOP (66.13%). Overall, this study concludes that irrigation under wheat crop using collapsible multi-outlet pipe (MOP) with zero tillage practices is a suitable option for surface irrigation that accomplishes uniform distribution of water with higher application efficiency.

Sclerotinia rot of rapeseed mustard: A comprehensive review

Indian mustard [Brassica juncea (L.) Czern & Coss.] is one of the major oilseed crops cultivated in India and around the world. It is extensively grown traditionally as a pure crop as well as intercrop (mixed crop) in marginal and sub-marginal soils in the eastern, northern and north western states of India. Cool and moist climate of winter months is the major factor for luxuriant growth and productivity of mustard in these states. Despite considerable increase in productivity and production, a wide gap exists between yield potential and yield realized at farmer’s field, which is largely due to biotic and abiotic stresses. The destructive diseases of rapeseed-mustard include those caused by fungi, bacteria, viruses and phytoplasma. Among them, Sclerotinia stem rot is the most serious fungal disease that causes maximum damage in Indian mustard. This paper reviews the research and development of Sclerotinia rot in rapeseed-mustard during the past years in relation to pathogen taxonomy, biology, epidemiology, disease cycle and management. The paper also attempts to present future outlook and strategy for Sclerotinia rot of rapeseed mustard research.

Economic feasibility of summer squash cultivation using low tunnel and black plastic mulch under tarai condition of Uttarakhand

A study was undertaken to investigate the economic feasibility of summer squash cultivation in tarai region of Uttarakhand during winter - spring season of 2013-14 and 2014-15. Among three transplanting dates, summer squash transplanted on 15th January was found to be best with respect to plant growth characters, total yield (373.50 q ha-1), net return (`2,46,542 ha-1) and benefit – cost ratio (2.72). Similarly, out of three low cost protected techniques evaluated along with control, low tunnel with black plastic mulch was observed as best with respect to plant growth characters, total yield (451.67 q ha-1). Whereas, the maximum net return (`2,87,628 ha-1) and benefit - cost ratio (3.58) was obtained in black plastic mulched plots. Out of 12 treatment combinations, summer squash planted on 15th January under black polyethylene mulch is most profitable in terms of getting maximum benefit - cost ratio of 4.41. Hence, the same is recommended for commercial cultivation of summer squash at farmer’s field under tarai condition of Uttarakhand.